OA Torches and playing a fast one with marketing

65-2007_F.pdf (application/pdf Object)

I really need to get a decent torch. The dept store unit(2) I have are insanely expensive consumable wise, and never seen to have enough heat. So, I its time to do some digging.

Victor is probably the #1 torch, but they are spendy. Harris is a bit less, but is supposedly pretty close. Then there are the knockoff’s and generic ones. Thats where things get pretty odd. Teradyne, the outfit that owns Victor has a line of knockoffs, called Firepower. A whole lot less expensive, with much cheaper components. They are letting the Victor name lend some credence to their low end line. I am not amused with this fast one.

Some might be thinking I’m nuts, as I could buy a low end mig welder, or even a flux core welder for less. Unfortunately, the low end units are pretty limited. Without gas, you can’t weld even 20 gauge without making a mess. Without a lot of power, welding aluminum is problematic. A good torch otoh, can easily cut through thick bar stock and sheet metal. A torch can be used for brazing, and welding, in some cases up to 1/2″ thick, as well as thin metal even below 24 gauge. All things in life however are not free. Gas welding takes practice, and is more time consuming than mig. As a youngster, I put in hours of practice with a torch, and learned to gas weld, cut, and braze. My ability with a cutting torch was amazing. I could cut a piece of steel, and leave an edge which was almost as smooth as one might get with a bandsaw. I don’t think I could do that today though.